Pronunciation: [wɛnt stˈe͡ɪl] (IPA) 
The phrase "went stale" is pronounced as /wɛnt steɪl/. The word "went" is spelled with a "w" followed by an "e" pronounced as /wɛnt/. Meanwhile, the word "stale" is spelled with an "s" followed by an "t" pronounced as /steɪl/. In English, verbs in the past tense are formed by adding "-ed" to the base form of the verb, however, some irregular verbs such as "go" use a different form in the past tense, which is "went".
"Went stale" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the state of becoming dull or uninteresting, often as a result of being unused or outdated. It is commonly used in relation to various aspects of life, including food, relationships, ideas, or situations.
When applied to food, "went stale" describes the process of losing freshness, resulting in a dry, tasteless, or unappetizing condition. This typically occurs when the food is exposed to air or moisture for an extended period or stored improperly. For example, bread left out without proper storage might become stale.
In a broader sense, "went stale" can be used to describe relationships or situations that have lost their vitality, excitement, or purpose over time. It suggests a lack of growth, progress, or freshness, where enthusiasm or interest has diminished. For instance, a long-term romantic relationship might "go stale" if both partners fail to nurture and cultivate the connection, leading to boredom or dissatisfaction.
Similarly, ideas or concepts can "go stale" when they are no longer relevant or fail to generate new perspectives or insights. It highlights a loss of creativity, originality, or effectiveness, often because they have been overused or are no longer aligned with the current circumstances or needs.
Overall, "went stale" conveys a sense of decline, stagnation, or deterioration in various aspects of life, reflecting a lack of vitality or freshness.
The etymology of the phrase "went stale" can be understood by examining the origins of its constituent words.
1. Went: The past tense of the verb "to go", the word "went" comes from Old English "wendan" or "wend", which meant "to proceed on a journey". Over time, it developed into "went" as the past tense form.
2. Stale: The term "stale" originated from the Old English word "stæl", meaning "standing water" or "motionless". It later evolved to refer to something that has lost its freshness or become unpalatable. The association of "staleness" with food losing its appeal transferred to a more figurative sense of something becoming uninteresting or dull.
When combined, the phrase "went stale" refers to something that once had freshness or novelty but has become unexciting, dull or unpalatable over time.
